Free-agency winners and losers

March 14, 2014

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2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In most years, the most active teams in free agency ultimately find that their moves don't translate into wins. So giving the winning tag to the Bucs comes with a caution. Usually teams that spend more than $100 million in unrestricted free-agent contracts improve by only one win or drop back a game or two in the standings. The Bucs are the big spenders in free agency this year. They invested $125.5 million in contracts for six players -- quarterback Josh McCown, defensive end Michael Johnson, left tackle Anthony Collins, cornerback Alterraun Verner, tight end Brandon Myers and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald. They let high-priced players such as Davin Joseph, Penn and Darrelle Revis go.

3. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons realized they had to get bigger and stronger on the offensive and defensive lines. For years, they have tried to stay light and athletic. The league is getting bigger and more physical. The Falcons added Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson to the defensive line and Jon Asamoah at guard. Figuring they have a great chance to get a good tackle in the draft, the Falcons are toughening up to get back in the NFC playoff race.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff teams with good starting quarterbacks on their first contracts can be strategic players in free agency and in personnel. That's what the Eagles are. Nick Foles is in the third year of his rookie contract, and the Eagles had plenty of cap room available. Like Seattle last year, they are grabbing at available opportunities. The New Orleans Saints shopped Darren Sproles and the Eagles had no problem putting his $3.5 million salary in their backfield with LeSean McCoy. They locked up key offensive linemen with contracts through 2016. Last year, they were in a rush to revamp their secondary. This year, they had the luxury to strategically make it better with the additions of safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback Nolan Carroll, who might be a good third corner.

5. Miami Dolphins: Last year they were the big spenders, but this year they made a good start in fixing their offensive line with the signing of Branden Albert at left tackle. Over the course of this offseason, they will be looking to replace four starters along the line. They still have Mike Pouncey at center. They will probably sign a veteran right tackle and maybe a guard. They have the draft for other options. Re-signing Randy Starks was huge at defensive tackle and they saved a little money signing Earl Mitchell for the other tackle spot after the departure of Soliai.

Losers

1. Oakland Raiders: The Saffold disaster was one of the worst situations in recent Raiders history. The Raiders opened free agency with more than $60 million in cap room. What you wonder is whether the Raiders can fix their problems with all that cap room. They let the top two homegrown players on their roster -- Veldheer and Lamarr Houston -- leave. The Saffold move forced the Raiders to scramble. They did land Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, but you start to wonder if the starting lineup is going to end up older instead of being younger. Tough start to free agency.